Introduction
Yangshuo, Guilin, and Guizhou offer one of China’s most rewarding combinations of spectacular landscapes, traditional villages and ethnic culture. The journey moves from the famous limestone mountains of Guilin and Yangshuo into the less familiar and more rugged landscapes of Guizhou. The highlight of the trip will be to witness the Zouqin Festival of the Miao Minority tribe.
Yangshuo — landscapes and rural life
Yangshuo is where the landscape becomes particularly intimate. Instead of simply viewing the mountains from a boat, travellers can explore the countryside.
The Yulong River, rice fields and small villages provide excellent opportunities to experience rural southern China. The limestone peaks appear everywhere, often rising behind farmhouses and fields.
For photographers, Xingping is particularly attractive. The river, fishermen, bamboo boats and distinctive karst peaks create some of the most recognisable scenery in China. Sunrise and early morning mist are especially rewarding.
Yangshuo also provides an interesting contrast between traditional rural life and the increasingly commercialised atmosphere of West Street.
Guilin — the gateway to China’s karst landscape
Guilin is renowned for its dramatic karst landscape. Limestone peaks rise almost vertically from the Li River, creating a scene that has inspired Chinese painters and poets for centuries.
The Li River is the centrepiece. A cruise from Guilin towards Yangshuo reveals a constantly changing landscape of towering peaks, bamboo groves, fishing villages and riverside farmland. Early morning mist can transform the mountains into an almost traditional Chinese landscape painting.
Guizhou — a different side of China
Guizhou lies beyond the familiar landscapes of Guilin and offers something quite different. It is a mountainous province of deep valleys, waterfalls, forests, rivers and traditional villages.
Further south, Libo is famous for the Xiaoqikong scenic area, where clear turquoise and emerald water flows through dense forest and karst terrain. The combination of water, vegetation and limestone makes it particularly attractive to photographers.
Zouqin Festival for the Miao Minority Tribe in Guizhou
On the second day of the second month of the lunar calendar, China’s ethnic Miao people celebrate the Zouqin Festival. “Zouqin” means “gathering of family and friends,” and the occasion is marked by sporting events and artistic activities.
A particular favorite was a singing contest in which 18 groups performed a selection of traditional Miao songs.
“They’re very distinctive, especially their costumes. Their silver jewelry and clothes are very beautiful.”
The Zouqin Festival is part of the intangible cultural heritage of Guizhou province. In recent years, it has become a distinctive event attracting large numbers of visitors.
How to go to Guilin and return through Guiyang?
You can travel from Kuala Lumpur to Guilin via AirAsia and return through Guiyang to Guangzhou and then to Kuala Lumpur. It is suggested that we take AirAsia flight from Kuala Lumpur to Guilin.
Chinese Visa
China offers 30 days visa free entry for Malaysians and Singaporeans.
Difficulty of trip
It is from easy to moderate.
Itinerary
Day 01 – March 2nd Tue (L)
Arrive at Guilin. Pick up at the airport
Suggestion: “Fly KL to Guilin by AK156, AirAsia (07:20-11:20),”
Lunch at or near the airport. Transfer directly to Yangshuo.
Check in hotel at Yangshuo
Day 02, – March 3rd Wed, Yangshuo (B,L)
Sunrise at shoot “Xiang Gong Shan”,
After breakfast will visit the origin of the scenery depicted in the Chinese “20 Yuan banknote along Lijiang River.
Sunset along the Lijiang River plus local fisherman and his cormorants fishing in Yangshuo.
Day 03- March 4th Thu, Yangshuo (B,L)
Sunrise shoot at Zhuobi Peak,
Breakfast. Take pictures in Yangshuo along the Yulong River. Every spring, flowers blooming along on both sides of the river.
In the evening, shoot sunset In Yangshuo.
Day 04, – March 5 Fri, Yangshuo-Guilin (B,L)
Shoot Sunrise,
After breakfast, visit local village and villagers near Yangshuo or”Xingping ancient town”, taking pictures, finally drive back to hotel.
Day 05, – March 6 Sat, Guizhou (B L)
Early morning shoot photos in a local village, a local farmer leading his ox slowly across the small stone bridge, beneath which flows a gentle stream. Finally transfer to Guilin Railway station for bullet train to the provincial capital city Guiyang of Guizhou province (1.5 hour in train). Transfer to the hotel, if time permits, shoot the night view of Guiyang. Stay in Guiyang.
Day 06- ,March 7th Sun, Guiyang-Zhenfeng County (B,L)
Early departure, take bullet train (1 hour) to Guanling Station. Meet with local photographer there. After lunch, take photos that frames both the world’s tallest bridge and a chain suspension bridge together. At night view of the tallest bridge in Zhenfeng County
Day 07, – March 8th Mon, Zhenfeng (B L)
Zhenfeng is a small county in the mountainous Southwest Prefecture. There is still no railroad access It has preserved wonderfully authentic folk customs and traditions. Let’s visit the 2nd day of the 2nd Month (lunar calendar) preparations. It is also called the Zouqin Festival.
Witness how Miao people dye eggs red, steam ”five-coloured” rice and Miao’s national level intangible cultural heritage activities.
In the afternoon, we will see the Miao’s welcoming ceremony.
Day 08, – March 9th Tue, Zouqin Festival In Zhenfeng(B,L)
The traditional Zouqin Festival celebrated by the Miao tribes falls on today. Take photos of the intangible cultural heritage parade and local people’s folk customs such as their traditional wedding show, reunion banquet and campfire party, those activities are so dazzling and delightful…
Day 09 – March 10th Wed, Changing-Xingyi (B,L)
Drive to Xingyi (2hours drive) the Southwest prefecture’s capital city. It is also the most west city in Guizhou, visit a local Buyi ethnic village. Enjoy the welcome ceremony.
In the afternoon drive to the Fenglin ancient town. It is the main residence of the Buyi people. See night view and take pictures here.
Day 10,- March 11th Thu – Xingyi -Guiyang (B,L)
Visit the flower fields in Wanfenglin. Finally transfer to the railway station for bullet train to Guiyang. G5400(13:03-15:19) or a later one. Transfer to hotel.
Day 11 – March12 Fri (B). Transfer to Guiyang Airport (B)
Transfer to Guiyang Airport for home flight, we suggest to use CZ (China Southern) most make transfers in Guangzhou, the head office of China Southern Airlines. End of service.
Gallery
